Warbird Information Exchange

Here's one for you! This is another "story" that I have been trying to track down for years. I have heard a few different versions of this tale...the one I like best....C-130 lands at a foward site and is hit by mortar fire, damaging a prop...a new one is brought in and replaced under fire...Being the monsoon season, it was decided not to send any air cover in case of Migs....The unarmed 130 took off in the rain, and headed back to friendly territory. The NVA were privy to what was going on, and sent in one Mig to dispatch the C-130 before the USAF could react..Being over-confident, the Mig pilot decided not to use missles, and shoot it down with his cannon...he slowly lined up his sights , throttled back and closed in for the kill.....The crew in the 130 saw the Mig, and waiting until the last second opened up the fuel dumps.....throwing raw fuel directly down the Mig's intake, and blowing the plane to pieces! Like I said....I thought it sounded good! After years of research....I finally found out the truth!!! So, is it B.S. , or does a C-130 have a confirmed Mig kill? Gary

I'm saying it's true. Mostly because you bothered to post it. Amazing things happen in war, and this would be truly amazing. I can't wait to read the story.

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Curtis Block

I've seen too many airplanes destroyed by the term "Static Restoration."

As a Herk guy, I've heard several versions of this story for so long that it must be at least partially true.

I've also heard of opening the back end & throwing chains out, but that one doesn't seem probable to me.


I do know the AC-130H was given very specific instructions not to shoot down anything airborne during GWI. On the ground, taxiing out, on T/O run - fine. Once airborne - completely off limits.

The story about throwing chains out the back of the airplane onto a helicopter is in a book that a friend described to me. I have not read it, but I'm told it's non-fiction and written by someone who was there. I think it involved a C-123 working in an area of SE Asia that was in question. Who gets the credit--the pilots or the loadmaster?

Scott

Well, sounds plausible against a helo...

I always used the chains under my seat cushion when flying unarmored planes...at least I wouldn't get shot in the butt!

I know it happened, just can't remember how. I seem to recall the story being in a recent magazine. I'll see if I can find it.

What conflict have we been in where the US flew C-130s (or C-123s) and the enemy was flying helicopters? As "second class" as the Herk community is - if someone scored a kill - we'd still be demanding free drinks in the bar for it ... might be true but I haven't heard a word of it. Heck, we have a hard enogh time hitting the DZ with an airdrop load - I can only imagine trying to shack a helo with tiedown chains.

Ken

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"Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

Mig Kill by a C-130 ? Not true. Enemy helicopter flying in trail to a C-130? If I remember correctly the cruise on the C-130 is up around 280 knots , maybe a little slower. What eneny helicopter could keep up with it?
Something may have happened in a training exercise. YOu wouldn't believe the accidents and bizarre stories form the worldwide use of the C-130. The Marines have an air tanker version of the C-130 and can refuel at least 4 CH-53E's simultaneously. Maybe something happened in a refueling scenario.

FOUR CH-53s at once?

Now that I WOULD like to see!

I suspect the true number is likely to be half that. Hard to refuel more than 2 receivers simulataneously when you're only a 2-point tanker!

Helo with chains during airdrop maybe? - drop airspeed 130-140kts - plenty of helos in that speed range - especially attack helos.

Now, as referenced, not too many in any conflicts we've been involved with...possible perhaps, but not probable.

I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of getting the dumped fuel to go right in the MiG's intake, AND having it detonate.

I call bogus.

Yeah, I am not sure about that, but it is a cool story to tell for some good ol' hangar flying.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Never let the facts get in the way of a good story!

I like your style Mike!

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Supposedly, the drop plane (possibly a C-119 rather than a C-123) kicked the chains out the back and they simply fell on the hovering helo, more like a bomber attacking a destroyer than an actual combat--the chopper never knew they were coming. I have no idea if the story is true, but I would love to read the book.

Scott